Introduction
Features of Alconbury House include shrubberies, a wooded parkland, fine yew trees, a pavilion and extensive lawns.
The house is situated on a commanding site east of the village with the upgraded A1 in the valley below. There are commanding views to the south and west through heavily wooded parkland, now reduced to 20 hectares. Many elms were recently lost but fine yew planted prior to building the house still remains.
There is a short double avenue from the west with a drive through shrubberies to the house. From there a path leads, via extensive lawns around the house, to a walled garden with chamfered corners and a small pavilion along the south wall. To the north was an avenue from Ermine Street, now developed for a lorry park, which led to stables and other buildings.
- History
This small country house was built in the late-18th century for Sir Peter Burnell, later Lord Gwydir, and enlarged in 1850 by Hodson and Vesey. The house was used as a USAF Officers’ Mess in the Second World War; Clark Gable and James Stewart were stationed at the nearby base.
Period
- 18th Century (1701 to 1800)
- Late 18th Century (1767 to 1800)
- Features & Designations
Features
- Shrub Feature
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- Garden Wall
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- Pavilion
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- Path
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- Walk
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- Drive
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- House (featured building)
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- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
18th Century (1701 to 1800)
Survival
Extant
Civil Parish
Alconbury
- References
Contributors
Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust